Stockholm and Göta Canal Discovery

You’ll feel as though you’ve traveled backwards in time as you take in the medieval castles, peaceful rural life and lush landscapes of the Göta Canal from the deck of a richly-restored brass and mahogany canal ship.

This overnight adventure will take you through the intricate network of hand-operated locks, aqueducts and bridges of this remarkable canal system as you stop to explore a collection of important medieval sites including the Vreta Convent ruins that date back to 1100, historic Ljung castle and refined Brunneby manor. In Stockholm you’ll explore several of the stunning 400-plus islands that make up the city archipelago; view the breath-taking restored Vasa shipwreck that sank to the bottom of Stockholm harbor in 1628; sail around the royal garden on Djurgården Island; visit the opulent home of the Swedish Royal Family on Lovö Island; and explore the impressive architectural wonders of Stockholm’s old town.

Stockholm is an incredible mixture of well-maintained medieval architecture and ultra-modern Scandinavian design that gives the city its unique character as one of Europe’s most sophisticated northern capitals. However, it’s the magnificent island landscape of the city and the lush scenery that lines the Göta Canal system that really puts this place in a league all of its own. You’ll enjoy luxury accommodation at one of of Stockholm’s refined modern boutique hotels, while your experienced team of local guides and private drivers look after all the detail.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Stockholm

Lydmar Hotel

Day 1: Stockholm

Meet your English speaking driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.

Accommodation: Lydmar (5*)

Stockholm

Day 2: Stockholm

This tour is a combination of the Stockholm Panorama bus tour and the Royal Canal Tour. You start with a coach trip around the city, viewing the best known sites and buildings. After one hour and a half, you transfer to a boat to sail around the royal park of Djurgården and past the most inner archipelago islands.

Sinking to the bottom of the harbour in 1628, the Vasa is arguably the best preserved ancient maritime artifact in the world. Its maiden voyage lasted a mere 1300 metres before capsizing just off shore. Early attempts to raise it were unsuccessful, but a state backed effort began salvage in 1956. In 1961, after years of preparation and raising small portions of the ship, the main lift was performed. However, this was just the beginning. Preservations efforts would continue until 1979, when the spraying of the preservative substance was complete.

This elaborate effort and years of hard work have left a legacy for future generations to experience and learn about their seafaring past. Upon entry into the building, you are overwhelemed by the completely restored and preserved Vasa. The ship is incredibly fully assembled indoors multiple related exhibits depicting subjects such as the building process, life on board and Sweden’s rich maritime history.

Dedicate at least a morning to this museum, as it is unlike any other in the world and you will find yourself captivated by the vastness of the ship and the science and dedication behind its preservation.

Guided tours (In English) are available at the following times and are included in the entrance fee:

Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday 10.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 1.30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

MP3 Guides : The Museum offers free downloadable MP3 guides. If you choose not to take a tour, these handy guides will offer you a unique way to explore on your own.

Go to the following website and follow instructions for download: http://www.vasamuseet.se/en/visit/mp3-guide/

Accommodation: Lydmar (5*)

Drottningholm Castle

Day 3: Stockholm

Enjoy your three hour tour of Drottningholm Castle. The crown jewel among Swedish palaces, beautiful Drottningholm is located 11 kilometres west of Stockholm on Lovö Island in Lake Mälaren. "Versailles in miniature", is an oft-used epithet for this former summer residence - now the permanent home - of the Swedish Royal Family. The palace , which originally was built as a Baroque place and later extended and refurbished in the Rococo style, boasts magnificent suites from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s, extensive parks, its own theatre and a Chinese pavilion. The Drottningholm Court Theatre is a unique attraction with its original scenery, 200-year old stage machinery and interior decoration virtually untouched by the passage of times. The theatre is still used for opera and ballet performances. Entrance fee included.

Accommodation: Lydmar (5*)

Dining

Cabin

M/S Diana

M/S Wilhelm Tham

Day 4: Stockholm - Motala

Enjoy a transfer from /to train station with private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Upon arrival you will board the ship for your mini cruise along Göta Canal.

Take the train from Stockholm to Motala. Journey will take approximately 2 hrs 15 mins to almost 3 hrs depending on departure.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

11.30 am Departure Motala. It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the canal, and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, as well as a number of museums, including the well-known Motor Museum. You will pass Baltzar von Platen's grave along the canal.

The ship continues via Borenshult Lock staircase of five locks ,where you might hear the nightingale sing, to Lake Boren. We then pass Borensberg that has one of the canal's hand-operated locks, after which we see the well-known Göta Hotel from 1908. Just past the hotel there is a small gazebo leaning out over a sharp bend in the canal, known as "the Helmsman's Horror". This gazebo featured on a stamp in 2003.

We travel 20 kms without passing any locks through the astonishing Östgöta scenery. Pass two aqueducts, eight bridges, Ljung castle and Brunneby manor.

Two more recent aqueducts have been built to carry the canal, this one at Kungs Norrby was built in 1993 as part of the national route 36.

Pass the second aqueduct on our journey, Ljungsbro that was built in 1970 over the new road into the community.

Berg (Heda/Brunnby)- Start your descent down 40 metres in the lock system of Berg (15 locks) towards Lake Roxen. Here you can stretch your legs between the locks, or walk along the canal to Vreta Convent ruins and church. The convent of Vreta dates from about 1100 and was the first nunnery in Sweden. Its importance was later superseded by the convent founded by Saint Bridget (St. Birgitta) at Vadstena. The old convent church at Vreta is one of Sweden’s most interesting, offering many medieval treasures. Today, it serves as a parish church and is therefore not always open to visitors.

After the road bridge in Berg you will arrive at the four locks of Berg and Oscar. You will dock for the night in the harbour basin between the locks of Oscar and Carl-Johan.

Berg (the basin) . Enjoy your evening at leisure,take a walk along the canal, or to go for an evening swim in Lake Roxen below the Carl-Johan lock staircase.

Accommodation: M/S Juno, M/S Wilhelm Tham, M/S Diana

The Carl Johan, Berg and Oscar Locks

Water Locks

Day 5: Söderköping - Stockholm

Enjoy your breakfast.

Leave the harbour basin and continue your journey. Take the opportunity to go for a morning swim in Lake Roxen or walk along the canal while the ship goes down the locks.

Berg (Carl-Johan) - The Carl-Johan lock staircase is the longest in the canal with seven connected locks.

Lake Roxen - 33 metres above sea level.

Norsholm lock - Here the canal crosses the main railway line between Stockholm and Malmö.

Lake Asplången - 27 metres above sea level.

Carlsborg–Mariehov–Duvkullen - There are eight locks in the short distance of around two kilometres. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs between the locks.

Your cruise ends in the idyllic town Söderköping, which was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and very interesting history as a spa. Don’t forget to try the famous ice cream!

You will take a public bus from Söderköping to Norrköping and change to train to Stockholm.

Enjoy a transfer from /to train station with private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Accommodation: Lydmar (5*)

Day 6: Stockholm

Meet your English speaking driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $550). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $600 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 70% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Lydmar Hotel

Lydmar (5*) - Stockholm

Lydmar Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the city center of Stockholm by the waterfront. Just minutes from the National museum, it offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel also offers a business centre, a concierge and a lift. A terrace, luggage storage and babysitting / child services are also available to the hotel guests.

M/S Juno, M/S Wilhelm Tham, M/S Diana

Each of their three handsome, historical ships is designed to fit the most narrow lock on the canal like a hand in a glove. Built in 1874, M/S Juno is the oldest ship still in regular service. The M/S Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 and their youngest ship, M/S Diana, in 1931.

They have been carefully refurbished and preserved to reflect the times when they were built. There are three cabin classes, one on each of the ship's decks - the bridge, shelter and main decks. Most of the cosy, small cabins are fitted with bunk beds and a washbasin. There are shared WCs and showers on each deck. Meals are enjoyed in the mahogany and brass decorated dining room. The salon is a place for socialising, conversing or reading one of the books in their small ship's library.

All cabins are on the outside and above the waterline. The cabins on shelter and bridge decks open onto the deck.

Map

Reviews

Europe
Vanessa Oquendo ,
April 21, 2014"Melissa Field was extremely helpful! She was courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly! She kept me updated on the status of everything and provided timely correspondence. She took ownership for any problems I had and remedied them. I had the most amazing time of my life in Iceland and Paris! I would not have experienced everything without the help of Kensington Tours."

Europe
Marilynn Weaver ,
April 21, 2014"All of our guides were beyond fabulous! Our time in Dublin was much too short, would have loved to stay there at least one more full day. Would recommend extending this package to 15 days for any future visits. The train to Edinburgh was super! Beautiful scenery and great steak pies!"

Europe
Ann Saxon ,
November 06, 2013"Our trip was fantastic!!! I cannot say enough good things. Lianne worked with our exact dates and time frame beautifully.Our drivers were prompt and friendly. The private guides were so knowledgeable. We left with an appreciation of the history, the culture, and the beauty of Andulasia. We were very pleased and will certainly recommend your company to friends and family."

Europe
Coby Scherr ,
November 05, 2013"Everyone involved in our Portugal trip made it terrific. Exactly as advertised. Every event on time and most pleasant. Guides were well-informed, courteous and friendly. Really made for a great journey every time. Each hotel was clean, upgraded and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly folks. Breakfasts were complete -- almost too much to eat. It will always be a wonderful memory thanks to Kensington Tours."

Europe
Couples Dellinger & Hubbell ,
November 06, 2013"We've been raving to everyone about the food, the friendliness of the people and the amazing history and sites in Turkey. Yes, we want to go back."

Europe
John Edstrom ,
October 22, 2013"Overall, our tour in Spain was very enjoyable, and well planned and executed. Our private tour of the Alhambra was excellent. Virginia, tour guide for royal palace ruins outside of Cordoba, was also excellent. In Seville, we went to the Flamenco Show/dinner, and the Flamenco was outstanding!"

Europe
Kevin Wilshere ,
October 19, 2013"Great trip to Spain! Thanks again for all your help, Lianne. The destinations, hotels, guides and everything were all top notch."

Europe
Chery Westlund ,
November 07, 2013"My husband and I took a 3 week vacation to southern Europe and North Africa and had a great time. All the guides were very knowledgeable and bent over backwards to accommodate us. The arrangements made by Kensington went off without a hitch. This is our second trip with Kensington (we went to Peru in 2009) and we will certainly book with them again."

Europe
Randy Gramlich ,
October 07, 2013"Thank you for your follow up, we both loved our time in Croatia. It’s really a beautiful place, especially the coast. Your choice of hotels was great. It was an incredible view from the Bellevue hotel in Dubrovnik and the Vestibule in Split was in the best possible location. We were able to relax in our room listening to the wonderful singers in the courtyard and its central location made it so easy to walk anywhere we wanted to see with ease. "

Europe
Jay Steffan ,
September 24, 2013"We just returned from a 10 day trip to Paris and Normandy. We spent three nights in Paris and then enjoyed a seven night cruise on the Seine to Normandy with AMA Waterways. The time in Paris was well spent and has piqued our interest to return for a more thorough visit. Guide Wafaa Lankey was superb in our visit to Versailles. The Seine cruise was relaxing and beautiful. So many wonderful little towns and we wished we had more time in each one to explore and enjoy.
We traveled to Croatia and Slovenia using Kensington earlier this year which was a fantastic trip."